Amparito Roca

Amparito Roca was arranged by Aubrey Winter (see below) in 1935 from the original march written in 1925 by Jaime Texidor (see also below).

From the arranger, Aubrey Winter:

“This Spanish pasodoble march was written by Spanish bandleader and composer Jaime Texidor. The introduction and first strain are indicative of a bullfighter’s music, whereas the gentle, lighthearted trio section takes on the character of a couples dance, evoking the other essential elements of the pasodoble. The powerful brass in the dogfight (bullfight), and the tutti texture of the maestoso section bring this piece to a grand conclusion.”

From commentator Andy Pease:

"Amparito Roca (1925) is Jaime Texidor’s most famous composition. There is some controversy as to its origin. Some sources claim that it was actually written by Reginald Ridewood (1907-1942), a British military musician who was stationed briefly in Gibraltar, and that Texidor later swooped in and claimed the copyright on the piece when Ridewood failed to apply. Other sources credit Texidor with having named the piece after a young student of his, a girl named Amparito Roca. If I was to guess, not having done much research in this area, the original publication date of 1925 seems to undercut Ridewood’s claim, considering he was 18 and had not been to Gibraltar by that time. Regardless, the march stands as perhaps the most characteristic and famous example of a Spanish pasodoble, at least in the US.”

Jaime Texidor Dalmau (1884 – 1957) was an important Spanish composer of pasodobles, the bullfighting-inspired march style most closely associated with Spain. He was also the director of the municipal band of Barakaldo for almost 30 years.

After studying composition and conducting in Barcelona, Texidor joined the army in 1906 as a musician, performing on the saxophone. He became the director of the 68th “Africa” Regiment band (Banda Música del regimiento 68) in the autonomous Spanish city of Melilla on the Moroccan coast. He retired from military service in 1920 after thirteen years with this band.

In 1924, he directed the Banda de Música Primitiva in Carlet and also taught piano and violin. He resided in Carlet for only a couple of years and then moved to Manises, Valencia, to lead the Banda del Círculo Instructivo Musical. In 1928 he won a competition to direct the municipal band of Barakaldo, which he did until the end of his life. One source indicates he gave up the direction of the band for political reasons during the Spanish Civil War. In Barakaldo he also set up a music publishing firm, which published his compositions and others.

Arranger Aubrey Winter (1870 - 1955) was a prolific arranger and composer, particularly known for his work with brass and wind bands. His arrangement of popular pieces such as “The Great Little Army” and “Liberty Bell” are well-regarded. Winter’s contributions to music include over 500 compositions, showcasing his versatility and talent in various musical styles. His work has been recognized and celebrated by various music organizations and enthusiasts alike.

The music for Amparito Roca was provided for the band by Stephanie and Bill Magnusson.